Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of fish feeding by snorkellers on the density and size distribution of fishes in a Mediterranean marine protected area

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Marine Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Although there is a great deal of evidence to show that supplementary feeding by humans in terrestrial environments causes pronounced changes in the distribution and behaviour of wild animals, at present very little is known about the potential for such effects on marine fish. This study evaluated the consequences of feeding by snorkellers on fish assemblages in the no-take area of the Ustica Island marine protected area (MPA; western Mediterranean) by (1) determining if reef fish assemblage structure is affected in space and time by tourists feeding the fish; (2) assessing the effects of feeding on the abundance of the most common fish species; and (3) assessing the effects of feeding on the size structure of the two most numerically dominant ones. In particular, we hypothesised that both the abundance and the size structure of some fish species would increase at the study site following supplementary feeding, since the additional food provided by humans would make the site more appealing to them. Fish feeding influenced the fish assemblages within the Ustica MPA, and significant spatio-temporal changes occurred. While fish feeding appeared to have no effect on the ornate wrasse Thalassoma pavo, there was a noticeable increase in the number of Oblada melanura and Epinephelus marginatus in the impacted location after feeding. It is very likely that aggregations of fishes that evolve as a result of fish feeding by the public may have negative effects on local populations of fishes and invertebrates that make up their prey. Recreational use of coastal areas and MPAs is increasing elsewhere, making fish feeding a generalised human activity. Accurate information about its effect on the fish assemblage is essential to make responsible management decisions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson MJ (2001) Permutation tests for univariate or multivariate analysis of variance and regression. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 58:626–639

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson MJ (2003) DISTLM v.2: a FORTRAN computer program to calculate distance-based multivariate analysis for a linear model. Department of Statistics, University of Auckland

  • Anderson MJ, Willis TJ (2003) Canonical analysis of principal coordinates: a useful method of constrained ordination for ecology. Ecology 84:511–525

    Google Scholar 

  • Babcock RC, Kelly S, Shears NT, Walker JW, Willis TJ(1999) Large-scale habitat change in temperate marine reserves. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 189:125–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Badalamenti F, Ramos-Esplà A, Voultsiadou E, Sanchez-Lisazo JL, D’Anna G, Pipitone C, Mas J, Ruiz-Fernandez JA, Whithmarsh D, Riggio S (2000) Cultural and socio-economic impacts of Mediterranean marine protected areas. Environ Conserv 27:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohnsack AJ (1996) Maintenance and recovery of reef fishery productivity. In: Polunin NVC, Roberts CM (eds) Reef fisheries. Chapman and Hall, London, pp 283–313

  • Brock VE (1954) A preliminary report on a method of estimating reef fish populations. J Wildl Manage 18:297–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke KR, Warwick RM (1994) Change in marine communities: an approach to statistical analysis and interpretation. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole RG (1994) Abundance, size structure, and diver-oriented behaviour of three large benthic carnivorous fishes in a marine reserve in northeastern New Zealand. Biol Conserv 70:93–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Creed JC, Amado-Filho GM (1999) Disturbance and recovery of the macroflora of a seagrass (Halodule wrightii Ascherson) meadow in the Abrolhos Marine National Park, Brazil: an experimental evaluation of anchor damage. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 235:285–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Anna G, Lipari R, Badalamenti F, Cuttitta A (1999) Questions arising from the use of visual census techniques in natural and artificial habitats. Nat Sicil 23:187–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis D, Tisdell C (1995) Recreational scuba diving and carrying capacity in marine protected areas. Ocean Coast Manage 26:19–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Girolamo M, Mazzoldi C (2001) The application of visual census on Mediterranean rocky habitats. Mar Environ Res 51:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Eckrich CE, Holmquist JG (2000) Trampling in a seagrass assemblage: direct effects, response of associated fauna, and the role of substrate characteristics. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 201:199–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Edgar GJ, Barrett NS (1999) Effects of the declaration of marine reserves on Tasmanian reef fishes, invertebrates and plants. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 242:107–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishelson L (1998) Behaviour, socio-ecology and sexuality in damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Ital J Zool 65:387–398

    Google Scholar 

  • García Charton JA, Pérez Ruzafa A (1998) Correlation between habitat structure and rocky reef fish assemblage in the southwest Mediterranean. Mar Ecol 19:111–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Rubies A (1999) Effects of fishing on community structure and on selected populations of Mediterranean coastal reef fish. Nat Sicil 23:59–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia–Rubies A, Zabala M (1990) Effects of total fishing prohibition on the rocky fish assemblages of Medes Island marine reserve (NW Mediterranean). Sci Mar 54:317–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Gross-Custard JD (1980) Competition for food and interference amongst waders. Ardea 68:31–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Harmelin JG, Bachet F, Garcia F (1995) Mediterranean marine reserve: fish indices as tests of protection efficiency. Mar Ecol 16:233–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Harmelin-Vivien ML, Harmelin JG, Chauvet C, Duval C, Galzin R, Lejeune P, Barnabe G, Blanc F, Ghevalier R, Duclerc J, Lasserre G (1985) Evaluation visuelle des peuplements et populations de poissons: méthodes et problèmes. Rev Ecol (Terre Vie) 40:468–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Harriot VJ, Davis D, Banks SA (1997) Recreational diving and its impact in marine protected areas in eastern Australia. Ambio 26:173–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins JP, Roberts CM, Van’t Hof T, De Meyer K, Tratalos J, C Aldam (1999) Effects of recreational scuba diving on Caribbean coral and fish communities. Conserv Biol 13:888–897

    Google Scholar 

  • Huestis RR (1951a) The golden-mantled squirrels in Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake Nature Notes 1:5–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Huestis RR (1951b) Report on the trapping and marking of golden-mantled squirrels at Crater Lake National Park, 1939. Crater Lake Nature Notes 1:16–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Jennings S, Kaiser MJ, Reynolds JD (2001) Marine fisheries ecology. Blackwell Science, Oxford

  • Juanes F (2001) Mediterranean marine protected areas. Trends Ecol Evol 16:169–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • La Mesa G, Vacchi M (1999) An analysis of the coastal fish assemblage of the Ustica Island Marine Reserve (Mediterranean Sea). Mar Ecol 20:147–165

    Google Scholar 

  • La Mesa G, Louisy P, Vacchi M (2002) Assessment of microhabitat preferences in juvenile dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) by visual sampling. Mar Biol 140:175–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Legendre P, Legendre L (1998) Numerical ecology, 2nd edn. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam

  • Manski DA (1982) Management of grey squirrels and people in a downtown national park. Park Sci 2:8–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Manski DA, VanDruff LW, Flyger V (1981) Activities of grey squirrels and people in a downtown Washington, D.C. park: management implications. Transactions of the 46th North American wildlife natural resource conference. Wildlife Management Institute, Washington D.C., pp 439–454

  • Mazzola A, Mirto S, Danovaro R (1999) Initial fish-farm impact on meiofaunal assemblages in coastal sediments of the western Mediterranean. Mar Pollut Bull 38:1126–1133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClanahan TR (1994) Kenyan coral reef lagoon fish: effects of fishing, substrate complexity, and sea urchins. Coral Reefs 13:231–241

    Google Scholar 

  • McClanahan TR (1995) Fish predators and scavengers of the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei in Kenyan coral-reef marine parks. Environ Biol Fish 43:187–193

    Google Scholar 

  • McDougal C (1980) Some observations on tiger behaviour in the context of baiting. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 77:476–485

    Google Scholar 

  • Milazzo M, Chemello R, Badalamenti F, Camarda R, Riggio S (2002) The impact of human recreational activities in marine protected areas: what lessons should be learnt in the Mediterranean sea? Mar Ecol 23:280–290

    Google Scholar 

  • Olla BL, Davis MW, Ryer CH (1994) Behavioral deficits in hatchery-reared fish: potential effects on survival following release. Aquacult Fish Manage 25:19–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Parrish JD (1987)The trophic biology of snappers and groupers. In: Polovina JJ, Ralston S (eds)Tropical snappers and groupers: biology and fisheries management. Westview, Boulder, Colo., pp 405–463

  • Perrine D (1989) Reef fish feedings: amusement or nuisance? Sea Frontiers 35:272–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinnegar JK, Polunin NVC, Francour P, Badalamenti F, Chemello R, Harmelin-Vivien M, Hereu B, Milazzo M, Zabala M, D’Anna G, Pipitone C (2000) Trophic cascades in benthic marine ecosystems: lessons for fisheries and protected-area management. Environ Conserv 27:159–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polunin NVC, Roberts CM (1993) Greater biomass and value of target coral-reef fishes in two small Caribbean marine reserves. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 100:167–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Potts FC, Goodwin HJ, Walpole MJ (1996) People, wildlife and tourism in and around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. In: Price MF (ed) People and tourism in fragile environments, Wiley, Chichester, pp 199–219

  • Quinn NJ, Kojis BL (1990) Are divers destroying the Great Barrier Reef’s cod hole? Diving Sci 5:303–309

    Google Scholar 

  • Relini G, Relini M, Torchia G, Calandri G (2002) Ten years of censuses of fish fauna on the Loano artificial reef. ICES J Mar Sci 59:132–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reñones O, Moranta J, Coll J, Morales-Nin B (1997) Rocky bottom fish communities of Cabrera Archipelago National Park (Mallorca, western Mediterranean). Sci Mar 61:495–506

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson DJ, Cowan IM (1954) An introduced population of the grey squirrel (Sciurius carolinensis Gmelin) in British Columbia. Can J Zool 32:261–282

    Google Scholar 

  • Russ GR, Alcala AC (1996) Marine reserves: rates and patterns of recovery and decline of large predatory fish. Ecol Appl 6:947–961

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell BC, Talbot FH, Domm S (1974) Patterns of colonisation of artificial reefs by coral reef fishes. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 1:207–215

    Google Scholar 

  • Sala E, Zabala M (1996) Fish predation and the structure of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus populations in the NW Mediterranean. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 140:71–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Sala E, Garrabou J, Cabala M (1996) Effects of diver frequentation on Mediterranean sublittoral populations of the bryozoan Pentapora fascialis. Mar Biol 126:451–459

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sala E, Boudouresque CF, Harmelin-Vivien M (1998) Fishing, trophic cascades, and the structure of algal assemblages: evaluation of an old but untested paradigm. Oikos 82:425–439

    Google Scholar 

  • Sale PF, Douglas WA (1981) Precision and accuracy of visual census technique for fish assemblages on coral patch reefs. Environ Biol Fish 6:333–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shears NT, Babcock RC (2002) Marine reserves demonstrate top-down control of community structure on temperate reefs. Oecologia 132:131–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shears NT, Babcock RC (2003) Continuing trophic cascade effects after 25 years of no-take marine reserve protection. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 246:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Snedecor GW, Cochran WG (1989) Statistical methods, 8th edn. Iowa State University Press, Ames

  • Sokal RR, Rohlf FJ (1981) Biometry. Freeman, New York

  • Stewart-Oaten A, Murdoch WW, Parker KR (1986) Environmental impact assessment: “pseudoreplication” in time? Ecology 67:929–940

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutherland WJ (1996) From individual behaviour to population ecology. Oxford University Press, Bath

  • Sweatman HPA (1996) Impact of tourist pontoons on fish assemblages on the Great Barrier Reef. CRC Reef Research Centre, Townsville

  • Underwood AJ (1992) Beyond BACI: the detection of environmental impacts on populations in the real, but variable world. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 161:145–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Underwood AJ (1993) The mechanisms of spatially replicated sampling programmes to detect environmental impacts in a variable world. Aust J Ecol 18:99–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood AJ (1994) On beyond BACI: sampling designs that might reliably detect environmental disturbances. Ecol Appl 4:3–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood AJ (1997) Experiments in ecology: their logical design and interpretation using analysis of variance. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Verginella L, Spoto M, Ciriaco S, Ferrero EA (1999) Ethogram of the reproductive territorial male of the damselfish Chromis chromis L. (Pisces: Pomacentridae). Boll Soc Adr Sci 78:437–454

    Google Scholar 

  • Verginella L, Spoto M, Ferrero EA (2000) Spawning behaviour sequence analysis of the Mediterranean damselfish Chromis chromis (Pomacentridae) in the field. Z Fischk 5:3–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Walpole MJ (2001) Feeding dragons in Komodo National Park: a tourism tool with conservation complications. Anim Conserv 4:67–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wantiez L, Thollot P, Kulbicki M (1997) Effects of marine reserves on coral reef fish communities from five islands in New Caledonian lagoon. Coral Reefs 16:215–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams DM (1980) Dynamics of the pomacentrid community on small patch reefs in One Tree Lagoon (Great Barrier Reef). Bull Mar Sci 30:159–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis TJ, Anderson MJ (2003) Structure of cryptic reef fish assemblages: relationships with habitat characteristics and predator density. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 257:209–221

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis TJ, Millar RB, Babcock RC, Tolimieri N (2003) Burdens of evidence and the benefits of marine reserves: putting Descartes before des horse? Environ Conserv 30:97–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Paolo Guidetti (University of Lecce), Trevor J. Willis (University of Bologna), Giulia Ceccherelli (University of Sassari), Antonio Terlizzi (University of Lecce), and anonymous reviewers for their comments that helped improve the manuscript; Hugh Sweatman (James Cook University, Townsville) for his useful suggestions; Raffaele Camarda (University of Palermo) for invaluable help during field work; Ustica Municipality and Prof. Antonio Gianguzza (C.I.R.I.T.A., University of Palermo) for support and logistic assistance. Special thanks are due to Daniela Bilello, Gaetano Caminita, Tonino Licciardi, Giacomo Lo Schiavo, and Maria Concetta Natale (MPA staff). This study was part of a Ph.D. thesis by M.M. and was funded by MIUR ‘Progetto Giovani Ricercatori’ (grant/2000) to M.M.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy

    M. Milazzo & R. Chemello

  2. Laboratorio di Ecologia della Fascia Costiera, IAMC-CNR, Via G. da Verrazzano 17, 91014, Castellammare del Golfo (TP), Italy

    F. Badalamenti & T. Vega Fernández

Authors
  1. M. Milazzo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. F. Badalamenti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. T. Vega Fernández
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. Chemello
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Milazzo.

Additional information

Communicated by R. Cattaneo-Vietti, Genova

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Milazzo, M., Badalamenti, F., Vega Fernández, T. et al. Effects of fish feeding by snorkellers on the density and size distribution of fishes in a Mediterranean marine protected area. Marine Biology 146, 1213–1222 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-004-1527-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-004-1527-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation